Review: "Cthulhu" an Assured, Creepy Gay Horror Flick

, Blog Editor
October 29, 2008

The sweeping aerial camerawork, deliciously eerie soundscapes and score and meticulously plotted scares help bring these myths to life in a contemporary story in a way that few filmmakers have managed. Probably in part due to the gay angle, the film feels decidedly modern yet still taps into a dark, damp place beautifully. It's a classic horror story without the cobwebs and candelabras.

While Cthulhu is a strong low-budget film, it isn't perfect. There's some uneven acting and the production at times exposes its tiny budget, although not nearly as often as one might expect. And don't get turned off by Russ's appearance in the opening scenes ... the wig goes away mercifully fast.

Thanks to a well-developed gay lead, a steady hand with mood and a fresh approach to its source material, Cthulhu is a standout in the niche of gay horror movies, and a strong entry into either genre. Halloween season or otherwise, this macabre mystery offers a fun ride to viewers looking for a film that goes "bump" in the night.

Check out a trailer for the film below, and check out the film's website to see if Cthulhu is playing in a city near you.

Submitted by

Dennis Ayers

on Wed, 2008-10-29 21:18.

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Thought it was a little camp

Submitted by

seanID22 (280 points) (56 posts)

on Wed, 2008-10-29 22:44.

I have to say this was cinematography in search of a movie. The camera work was lovely; and the Oregon scenery was great (I'm in Portland; I'm biased). But, apart from the gay angle, it was a little unoriginal. And it was terribly camp, especially the female performances. The girl at the liquor store is wearing green eye shadow with candy apple red lipstick, and Tori Spelling plays the world's oldest Lolita, strutting around like a daytime star. That may make the movie sound fun, but it actually plays off as extremely out of place. Many of the creepy elements are totally conventional and familiar.

As for the gay angle, I'm with the reviewer, but check out - or don't, if you value your sanity - the comments made on the Internet Movie Database page for this movie. Straight men feel tricked and connived into seeing this (not that I care at all), but use all kinds of subterfuge to hide their direct distaste (saying HP Lovecraft featured no gay love stories, as if they'd object to a straight love story). Anyways, I don't recommend reading any message board regarding anything even partly gay on any web site, other than one like this. You'll cry.

Anyways, alright movie, but I couldn't fully recommend it.

Average (1 vote):

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Shadow Over Innsmouth

Submitted by

Dave Doty (5119 points) (1116 posts)

on Thu, 2008-10-30 00:10.

As soon as I read your description of the opening plot, I thought of Shadow Over Innsmouth, so I was glad to see you mention it, and that I'm not going crazy. Or listening to the call of long-dormant genes....

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Well, its sitting in my

Submitted by

Chuckles (1031 points) (214 posts)

on Thu, 2008-10-30 11:47.

Well, its sitting in my Netflix queue, so I'll be waiting to see it. From the looks of the trailer, it doesn't look too bad. As long as most of the story is digestable and the acting is above sub-par then I might be able to get into this one. H.P. Lovecraft always did a great job with his stories, so at least there's that strong back-story to work with for the director.

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Review: "Cthulhu" an Assured, Creepy Gay Horror Flick

Thought it was a little camp

Shadow Over Innsmouth

Well, its sitting in my